Trauma Therapy

for Women in Virginia

Trauma & PTSD

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is a distressing event that impacts one’s sense of control, disrupts one’s emotional wellbeing, and exceed one’s capacity to cope. Traumatic events can be life-threatening, such as physical violence, natural disasters, or war. Traumatic events can also be emotionally-threatening causing one to feel helpless and hopeless such as:

  • Betrayal, separation, or divorce

  • Conflict with family or friends

  • Death of a loved one or pet

  • Work stress or loss of job

  • Serious illness or injury

What Are PTSD Symptoms?

Experiencing one traumatic event, or multiple traumatic events, can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A PTSD survivor may attempt to protect themselves by avoiding the distressing emotions and trying to get over the trauma by pushing it down. This can cause the PTSD survivor to feel stuck in the past, battling emotional and physical symptoms that make it challenging to live a quality life. The impact can be broken relationships, stalled careers, substance use, and other distressing physical, psychological, and emotional PTSD symptoms. The following are some common PTSD symptoms:

Feeling Unsafe: After a traumatic event, our assumptions about the world being a safe place are understandably shattered. Consequently, PTSD survivors may feel as though any situation or place is potentially dangerous. Places or situations you once felt secure in may now feel threatening and be anxiety-provoking.

Intrusive Thoughts & Memories: It is common to experience some intrusive thoughts and memories of the traumatic event. This is especially likely to occur when a PTSD survivor encounters something (for example, a person, place, or thing) that reminds you of the traumatic event.

Hypervigilance: It is natural to feel more on-guard and aware of your surroundings after a traumatic event. This is actually a very protective symptom as your body is attempting to keep you safe by making you more aware of potential sources of danger. This natural safety mechanism is often more sensitive following a traumatic event.

How Is PTSD Treated?

Treatment for PTSD can provide support, as well as help you better understand the symptoms you are experiencing. Treatment will depend on the unique PTSD symptoms you are experiencing as a result of the trauma. It may involve trauma-focused therapy, medication, or a combination of both treatment approaches.

Trauma-focused therapy begins with creating a safe and nurturing environment where the PTSD survivor feels safe enough to process the trauma that has been repressed and pushed away. The therapist carefully and safely explores the trauma, allowing the PTSD survivor to become aware of their experiences. The therapist works with the PTSD survivor to integrate their emotional response to the trauma.

If you have endured one trauma or multiple traumas and are aware of its impact on your life, there is good news. You don’t have to suffer in silence. At Colorway Wellness, trauma-focused therapy includes research-based treatments that are effective in reducing trauma symptoms so that you can feel like your best self, live your best life, and believe the best is yet to come!